Habitat helps families worldwide help themselves. Working together, we demonstrate the love and teachings of Jesus Christ. As an ecumenical organization, Habitat appreciates that all religious faiths teach, 'do unto others, as you would have them do unto you' and welcomes people of all creeds who are actively committed to Habitat's Mission and Principles.

Habitat is a people to people partnership drawing families and communities together with volunteers and resources to build owner occupied affordable housing. Habitat is further committed to the development and uplifting of families and communities. We build, renovate, and repair simple, decent and affordable housing with people who are living in inadequate housing and who are unable to secure housing by conventional means.

Habitat for Humanity selects homeowner families without discrimination on the basis of race, creed, or ethnic background. All homeowners contribute "sweat equity." They work as partners with the affiliate and other volunteers to accomplish Habitat's mission both locally and worldwide.

Habitat sells houses to selected families with no profit or interest added. House payments are used for construction or renovation of additional affordable housing. We have more than 1,600 affiliates in the United States, twenty-two of them in Southern California. Each affiliate is represented by a board that reflects the cultural diversity of the community it represents. Habitat for Humanity is also a global partnership and in recognition of its international work, each affiliate contributes 10% of its unrestricted cash contributions to its worldwide fund.

Habitat works in cooperation with other agencies and groups which have a kindred purpose. It also works in partnership with government to alleviate sub-standard housing. However, Habitat has chosen to operate under a self-imposed discipline,which restricts that partnership. Government funds may be used for acquiring land, houses to be remodeled, constructing streets or sidewalks, and accessing utilities provided there are no conditions that violate Habitat principles.

For more information, visit www.habitat.org.